neck pocket
 

Hello I have a bass body with a 2 1/4 inch wide neck pocket, most necks are 2 1/2 can i make this fit somehow without ruining the neck or body? thanks

Yes route the neck poket out to match the neck. Do not try and alter the neck.

Have an experienced repair person route the neck pocket mod if you want it done right.

Depends on what your definition of "ruining" is.

Any decent woodworker will have the tools and know how to do it right; it doesn't have to be a luthier. Whether they be professional or hobbyist. If you know a hobbyist, you can ask to see work they have done (cabinetry, furniture) and if it's all tightly jointed, they should easily be able to do it for you. Just be sure to explain to them that it's important to have a perfectly flat heel bed in the pocket and a snug fit on the sides.

Pros to look for: luthiers, cabinet makers, furniture restorers, pro carpenters that do woodworking as a hobby. I like hobbyists because they often won't charge you, they do it for fun. Just buy some beer to drink with him while you watch him do it. ;)